Veterans Voices: Purple Heart cities on the rise in Ohio

HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WDTN) - HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio (WDTN) - Purple Heart cities are popping up across Ohio. The honor is given to cities who want to welcome veterans but also have a clear understanding of what the Purple Heart award is.

The Purple Heart is the oldest award given to those who are injured or killed protecting the United States in combat.

"We are the ones who made it back home. Even though we are wounded and scarred. We made it back," said Jerry Ferris, a member of the Ohio State Military Order of the Purple Heart.

There are just under 40 Purple Heart communities in Ohio, including universities.

The highest concentration of Purple Heart communities just so happens to be right here in the Miami Valley.

"I think what it means to the city in a broader perspective is that we are committed to our military community members," said Jeff Gore, the Mayor of Huber Heights.

Purple Heart cities will often post a sign welcoming veterans as they enter and leave the jurisdiction.

When a city is declared a Purple Heart city, they are entered into a database that helps traveling veterans find a place they can feel safe.

"It tells the veterans that travel across the country what cities are veteran-friendly. The ones that respect us. The ones that won't spit or cuss at us," said Randy Howson, a member of the Ohio State Military Order of the Purple Heart.

First and foremost, Chief Biehl is encouraging residents to stay away from the downtown area where the rally is taking place. Instead, he says, consider attending one of the many other community events taking place Saturday that are meant to highlight Dayton’s true sense of identity.